Jurusalem

One of the oldest cities in the world, Jerusalem is the capital and largest city of Israel. It is high in religious importance to Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. Jerusalem’s rich history is evident throughout the city with its numerous natural and manmade historic sites. Some of Jerusalem’s most popular attractions include the Temple Mount, the Dome of the Rock, and the old city walls. Though Jerusalem has been the center of many conflicts and battles for thousands years, it has retained its history and beauty. See Jerusalem Video

By Megan Gerard 

Baghdad Fabled Arabian City

It’s hard to imagine that now the sight of horrible destruction and death, Baghdad was once known as the City of Peace.  Back in the day it was teeming with life and was the destination of many love struck tourists.  At night the city was lit up with casinos and clubs.  Some described it as magical and even something out of a fairy tale.  There are also many monuments you can visit and learn about the history of Baghdad. See Baghdad Video

By: Hannah Botten

Isfahan, Iran

Isfahan, also known as Isfahan, is approximately 107,000 square kilometers. Esfahan is a province in Iran. It is considered to be the home of the nightingales. The Nightingale is a small bird, which thrived in Isfahan.  Approximately 4.6 million were counted during the census in 2006. Esfahan is full of castles. It has a defensive military base, said to be the primary location of the Iranian nuclear weapons program. Isfahan became the capital of Safavid Persia during the 17^th and 18^th centuries. See IsfahanVideo

By Eric Snyder

The Dead Sea

The Dead Sea, known in the Bible as the "Salt Sea" or the "Sea of Arabah,  is located between Israel and the west bank of Jordan. It is 1,385 feet below sea level and its shores are the lowest point on the surface of the Earth on dry land. The Dead Sea is 378 m (1,240 ft) deep, the deepest salt lakes in the world. It is also one of the world's saltiest bodies of water.  It is called the dead sea because the lake is too much salt minerals in the sea.  The Dead Sea is one of the most attractive vacation spots to visit.  It is 34 miles long and was formed by sand and from erosion, wind and floods in the mountains. It also has a biblical past. the army of Ammonites and Moabites supposedly crossed a lower part of the Dead Sea when they were going to find King Jehoshaphat and kill him as told in “2 Chronicles 20.”  Ezekiel also said that one day the Dead Sea would be fresh water and fishermen would throw their nets on the shore and catch fish.  See Dead Sea Video

By Cole Martin  

Baalbek, City of Marvelous Ruins 

Baalbek, Lebanon is located atop the Beeka Valley. Just 86 kilometers from the capital city of Beruit, Baalebek houses many temples including the Roman temple of Jupiter and the Phoenicians temple of the god Baal. The origin of the word “Baalbek” is commonly unknown. Some scholars believe it simply means “god” or “lord”. Others believe it means “God of the Baalbek valley”.The religious aspect of the Baalbek temples are quite simple, many locals as well as theologians believe that the Beeka valley was the birth place of the Baalbek god Baal. Other scholars believe that not only was this the birth place of Baal, but also the birth place of Baal so called siblings, Aliyan and Anat.Perhaps what is most famous about this ancient city are the massive stone monuments that surround the anicient city. These monuments are said to be made by the Greek and Roman conqueror’s to protect their sacred ancient temples. See Baalbek, City Video

By Caleb Austin

Babylon, City of Hanging Gardens

Babylon was considered one of the Seven Wonders of the World. It was built by Nebuchadnezzar II in 600 BC. Babylon was a place of ancient Mesopotamia which is now Iraq, sometimes called an empire. Babylon was founded at the end of the 3rd millennium BC, and lasted through the 2nd century AD. The outer walls were 56 miles long, 80 feet thick and 320 feet tall. It was big enough to allow a four-horse chariot to turn. Babylon’s location is marked by a big area of ruins east of the Euphrates River and south of Baghdad. See Babylon Video

By Austin Magette

 Palmyra, Zenobia's Domain

Palmyra was the heart of the Syrian deserts. It was often described as the bride of the desert. The remarkable remains tell a heroic history of Queen Zenobia. Zenobia ruled Palmyra that astonished both East and West. She was exceptionally attractive and intelligent. But she eventually got fired. She was later captured by the Romans and ended up poisoning herself. The destiny of Palmyra was no better than Queen Zenobia. The remains of Palmyra are still embodied. Palmyra ruins require a full day to form an adequate idea of the architecture that has much beauty that was once the Domain of Zenobia. See Palmyra Video

By McKayla Bacon